Afternoon Desert Safari with Quad Bike, Camel Ride and Sandboarding

Exploring Dubai’s Desert: An Honest Look at the Afternoon Safari with Quad Bike, Camel Ride, and Sandboarding

If you’re considering adding some adrenaline and authentic desert experiences to your Dubai trip, the Afternoon Desert Safari with Quad Bike, Camel Ride, and Sandboarding offers a lively mix of adventure and scenic beauty. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What makes this tour appealing are its well-rounded activities—from the high-energy quad biking to the peaceful camel rides and the fun of sandboarding. The professional guide ensures safety and local insights, and the stunning desert views make for great photo moments. On the flip side, some travelers mention that timing can be a bit off and that certain activities, like the camel ride, are quite brief.

This tour suits those looking for an adrenaline boost in a short time, with enough variety to keep the whole family entertained. If you’re after a more relaxed, cultural experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you crave thrills, scenic vistas, and fun activities, this could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Well-organized itinerary that combines multiple desert activities with scenic stops
• Professional guides provide safety, local insights, and helpful assistance
• Activities for all — from adrenaline-pumping quad biking to peaceful camel rides and sandboarding
• Approximate 4-hour duration makes it a manageable afternoon adventure
• Cost-effective at around $47.45 per person, with options to upgrade for more thrills
• Stunning photo opportunities on high dunes, especially at sunset

What is Included and What’s Not?

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a smooth start and finish. You’ll spend about four hours in the desert with a professional off-road guide—who, based on reviews, is often praised for their helpfulness and safety awareness. Expect to enjoy dune bashing, which involves driving over the high red dunes in a controlled, thrilling manner.

Sandboarding is included, a fun activity for those wanting to slide down the dunes and get that perfect shot. The short camel ride (2-3 minutes) offers a traditional touch, though some might find it a bit brief. For the more adventurous, quad biking or dune buggy rides are available at an extra cost, adding an extra dose of adrenaline to your desert experience.

The tour provides water to keep you refreshed, but dinner, soft drinks, and personal expenses are not included. You’ll want to bring some cash or snacks if you plan to indulge in souvenirs or refreshments at the site.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting from Dubai, you’ll be driven to the Al Madam Desert—a landscape of vivid red dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The drive itself is part of the adventure, especially with a guide who knows how to navigate the dunes safely.

Once there, you’ll be directed to the quad bike or dune buggy section. If you choose to ride, you’ll experience the thrill of zipping across the sand, steering through the ever-changing terrain. One reviewer labeled this as “an unforgettable experience,” emphasizing how engaging and exhilarating it can be. Keep in mind that the times run quickly, and many find themselves wishing for more than the brief rides.

Next, you’ll have the opportunity for a camel ride, which lasts a few minutes. A reviewer noted that it was “literally two minutes,” so if you’re after a long or traditional camel trek, this might be more about the novelty and photo ops. Many travelers enjoy the chance to snap pictures in front of the dunes during sunset, which is often a highlight of this part of the tour.

The dune bashing portion takes you to the top of high dunes—here, the views are breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot for sunset photos or a moment of quiet reflection. One guest mentioned they appreciated the meditative silence at the dunes and the chance to catch stunning sunset shots, making it a memorable photo point.

The Experience of the Activities

Quad Biking & Dune Buggy: The thrill of racing across sand dunes in a dune buggy or on a quad bike is unmatched. Reviews praise the professional guides, who are often described as helpful and attentive, especially if you’re new to off-road vehicles or nervous about safety. The extra payment for this activity is worth considering if you’re craving the adrenaline rush.

Camel Ride: While brief, the camel ride offers a traditional desert experience. It’s more about the photo opportunities and the novelty rather than a lengthy trek. Reviewers enjoyed the chance to capture sunset pictures with camels in the background, though some mention the short duration.

Sandboarding: This activity is all about fun sliding down the dunes. It’s accessible for most people, even beginners, and adds a playful element to your desert adventure. Plus, the photos of you gliding down the sand are definitely Instagram-worthy.

Dune Bashing: Known for its adrenaline-pumping nature, dune bashing is often highlighted as the highlight of the tour. The professional guides know how to keep it exciting while prioritizing safety. One reviewer mentioned the high-red dunes as a perfect backdrop for photos.

The Guides and Overall Service

Based on reviews, the guides are a notable highlight. Ali, mentioned explicitly, was praised for his helpfulness and attentiveness, especially during a reviewer’s accident. Their knowledge about the terrain and safety procedures makes a difference, especially for first-timers or nervous travelers.

Pickup and drop-off are smooth, with most travelers appreciating the convenience of hotel transfers. The group size, with a maximum of 80 travelers, keeps the atmosphere lively but manageable.

Pricing and Value

At approximately $47.45 per person, the tour offers a cost-effective way to experience multiple desert activities in a short time. The inclusion of pickup, drop-off, and a professional guide adds value, especially for those unfamiliar with desert driving.

Some reviewers feel the quad biking or dune buggy rides are worth the extra expense, but even without upgrades, the core activities—dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides—offer plenty of fun.

However, a reviewer mentioned that the trip started an hour later than scheduled, which can be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule. The brief camel ride could also be a disappointment for some, emphasizing that this tour is best suited for those seeking a quick, action-packed desert experience rather than a deep culture.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance—most travelers seem to reserve about a week ahead, especially during peak seasons.
• Arrive prepared—bring sun protection, sunglasses, and a camera for the stunning views.
• If you want to try quad biking or dune buggy, budget extra for the activity.
• Timing is ideal around sunset for the best photo opportunities, though the tour starts at 3:00 pm.
• Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety during activities.
• Be aware that timing can vary—some reviews mention delays, so plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced desert experience that packs a punch. It suits travelers who want a variety of activities in a short period, with plenty of opportunities for photos and adrenaline.

It’s especially good for those new to desert safaris or travelers with limited time, needing a quick but exciting taste of Dubai’s desert landscape. However, if you’re after a longer, more immersive experience, or are seeking cultural insights and traditional Arabian hospitality, you may want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

The Afternoon Desert Safari with Quad Bike, Camel Ride, and Sandboarding offers a lively, energetic way to experience Dubai’s desert. It combines adventure activities with stunning scenery, guided by knowledgeable professionals who prioritize safety and fun.

The tour’s value for money is quite competitive, especially considering the variety of activities included. The main trade-offs are the short duration of some activities and occasional timing issues, but overall, it delivers a memorable desert adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling afternoon or just want a taste of desert life with a dash of excitement, this tour is likely to satisfy your craving for fun and spectacular views.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, 4 hours in the desert with a professional guide, water, dune bashing, sandboarding, a short camel ride, and the option to upgrade for quad biking or dune buggy rides.

How long is the camel ride?
The camel ride lasts approximately 2-3 minutes, making it a brief but charming part of the experience.

Can I participate if I don’t want to ride a quad bike?
Yes, quad biking and dune buggy rides are optional and require an extra payment. You can enjoy the other activities without participating in this.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 3:00 pm, allowing you to enjoy the sunset views during dune bashing and photography.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 80 travelers, which helps keep the atmosphere lively but still manageable.

What safety measures are in place?
Guides are professional and experienced, with many reviews highlighting their helpfulness and attentiveness, especially during activities like dune bashing and quad biking.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled within 24 hours, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

This Dubai desert adventure offers a well-balanced blend of thrill, scenic beauty, and cultural touches, perfect for travelers eager for a quick but impactful experience in the heart of the desert.